Personal Injury Law

Illinois Pedalcyclist Dies After Being Struck by Van

In Peoria, Illinois, a 41-year-old bicyclist died on February 2 after he was hit from behind by a van. Lyle E. Clark was pronounced dead at the crash scene.

Clark had been riding his bike on Illinois Route 9. The driver of the van, Ronald C. Swonger, says he hit an object on the road right after exiting the bridge onto the road. He says he did not realize he had hit Clark with his vehicle.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for 2007:
? 698 pedalcyclists who were involved in US traffic crashes that year died.
? 40 is the average age of the pedalcyclists who died.
? 44,000 pedalcyclists were injured.
? 24 is the average age of the pedalcyclists who were injured.
? In Illinois, of the 1,249 traffic fatalities that took place that year, 18 of the victims were pedalcyclists.

Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists are at risk of sustaining serious injuries any time they are involved in a traffic accident. Bicyclists usually have only their protective gear and helmets to protect them from the impact of colliding with a car, a bus, a large truck, or a motorcycle.

If you are a Chicago bicyclist who was injured in an Illinois traffic accident because of a negligent motorist, you may have grounds for filling a bicycle accident claim against the liable party.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents:
? Driver inattention
? Drunk driving
? Speeding
? Bicyclist error
? Poor road conditions
? Motor vehicle defects

It is important that you work with an experienced Chicago bicycle accident lawyer who knows how to investigate the evidence from the accident site and assess the seriousness of your injuries.

Full post as published by Chicago Injury Attorney Blog on February 20, 2009 (boomark / email).